JP6374475B2 - Ventilation system for gravity replenishment spray equipment - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates generally to spray devices, and more particularly to venting systems for liquid supply containers for spray devices.

  This application is a US Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 641,181 entitled “Ventilation System for Gravity Replenishment Spray Device” filed May 1, 2012, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. US Patent Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 64,181) and its benefit, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, “For Gravity Replenishment Spray Devices”. US Patent No. 13 / 789,528 (US. Non-Provisional Patent Application No. 13 / 789,528) and its benefit.

Spray coating equipment is used to apply spray coating to various target objects.
Spray coating devices often include many reusable components such as containers for holding liquid coating material (eg, paint) on the gravity replenishing spray device.
Unfortunately, enormous time is spent cleaning these reusable components.
In addition, liquid coating materials are often transferred from the mixing cup to a container coupled to a gravity replenishment spray device.
Again, enormous time is spent transferring the liquid coating material.
In addition, disposable or reusable components can cause liquid coating material to leak or flow out, making application more expensive and less efficient.

In the first embodiment,
The system includes a liquid conduit configured to extend into the liquid container;
At least one wall surrounding the buffer chamber and configured to separate the internal volume of the container from the external environment;
A first vent conduit extending into the buffer chamber and joined to the wall of the cover;
A second vent conduit extending from the buffer chamber to the internal volume of the liquid container and coupled to the wall of the container;
At least one check valve coupled to the first and / or second vent conduit;
Including a container cover.

In the second embodiment,
the system,
At least one wall configured to separate the internal volume of the liquid container from the external environment;
A liquid conduit configured to attach to the liquid inlet of the spray device and coupled to the wall of the container;
And a container cover having at least one check valve and having at least one vent conduit coupled to the wall of the cover.

In the third embodiment,
The system has a spray device with a liquid inlet, a liquid container, and a gravity refill container assembly including a container cover configured to couple to the liquid container.
In addition, the container cover has at least one check valve along the vent path between the internal volume and the external environment.
The container cover also has a liquid conduit configured to couple with the liquid inlet of the spray device.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will be better understood upon reading the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings.
In the accompanying drawings, the same characters represent the same parts throughout the drawings.

1 is a block diagram illustrating one embodiment of a spray coating system having a unique gravity refill container assembly. FIG. 2 is a flow diagram illustrating one embodiment of a spray coating process utilizing the unique gravity refillable container assembly of FIG. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional side view of one embodiment of a spray coating apparatus coupled to the unique gravity refillable container assembly of FIG. FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the unique gravity refillable container assembly of FIG. 3 showing a spray gun adapter assembly coupled to a cover assembly. FIG. 4 is a partially exploded perspective view of one embodiment of the unique gravity refillable container assembly of FIG. 3 showing the spray gun adapter assembly disassembled from the cover assembly. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional side view of one embodiment of the unique gravity refill container assembly of FIG. 1 showing the container and cover assembly oriented in a cover side up position. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional side view of one embodiment of the unique gravity refill container assembly of FIG. 1 showing the container and cover assembly oriented in a cover side down position. FIG. 2 is a cutaway perspective view of one embodiment of the cover assembly of the unique gravity refillable container assembly of FIG. 1 showing a buffer chamber having a tapered vent conduit adjacent to a protruding portion. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional side view of one variation of the unique gravity refill container assembly of FIG. 1 showing the container and cover assembly oriented in a cover side down position. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional side view of one embodiment of the check valve of FIGS. 3, 6, 7 and 9 showing a duckbill valve. 10 is a cross-sectional side view of one variation of the check valve of FIGS. 3, 6, 7 and 9 showing an umbrella valve. FIG. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional side view of another alternate embodiment of the check valve of FIGS. 3, 6, 7 and 9 showing a ball valve.

As described in detail below, a unique capillary venting system is provided that includes at least a check valve (eg, a one-way valve) to vent the container while preventing leakage of liquid. In particular, a capillary venting system includes at least one check valve and one or more capillaries.
For example, the vent system includes a wall that separates the internal volume from the external environment, a capillary vent tube, and at least one check valve.
A check valve allows fluid (liquid or gas) to flow through the valve in only one direction.
The check valve prevents liquid leakage while allowing a vent path for air to enter the container.
In some embodiments, the venting system is two offset from each other with one or more check valves located at any point in the venting system including the distal end of either or both capillaries. A capillary tube and a buffer chamber.
The offset between the two capillaries provides an intermediate vent path for the air while also providing a volume for storing any liquid leaking from one of the capillaries.
Each capillary is configured to resist liquid flow out of the container and thus store liquid substantially within the container.
For example, the distal opening of each capillary may be resisting liquid flow by the formation of a meniscus or surface tension.
In some embodiments, the distal opening may be positioned proximal to the surface to further resist fluid flow by surface tension.
According to a further example, the interior of each capillary may resist liquid flow due to surface tension.
Each capillary may have a hollow annular geometry such as cylindrical or conical.
Conical capillaries provide additional resistance to liquid flow by reducing the diameter of the opening at the smaller end.
In addition, each capillary includes one or more check valves located at either end of the tube and / or at an intermediate position along the tube.

Turning now to the drawings, FIG. 1 is a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary spray coating system 10 including a spray coating gun 12 having a unique gravity refill container assembly for applying a desired coating liquid to a target object 14. It is.
The spray coating gun 12 may be coupled to various supply and control systems, such as a liquid supply 16, an air supply 18, and a control system 20 having a unique gravity refill container assembly.
The control system 20 facilitates control of the liquid and air supplies 16 and 18 and ensures that the spray coating gun 12 provides an acceptable quality spray coating on the target object 14.
For example, the control system 20 may include an automation system 22, a positioning system 24, a liquid supply controller 26, an air supply controller 28, a computer system 30 and a user interface 32.
Control system 20 may also be coupled to positioning system 24, thus facilitating movement of target object 14 in relation to spray coating gun 12.
Thus, the spray coating system 10 may provide computer controlled coating liquid mixing, liquid and air flow rates and spray patterns.

The spray coating system 10 of FIG. 1 is applicable to a variety of applications, liquids, target objects, and spray coating gun 12 types / forms.
For example, a user may select a desired liquid 40 from among a plurality of different paint liquids 42 that may include different paint types, colors, textures and properties for various materials such as metal and wood.
The user may similarly select the desired object 36 from a variety of different objects 38, such as different materials and product types.
The spray coating gun 12 may also include a variety of different components and spray forming mechanisms to accommodate the target object 14 and liquid supply 16 selected by the user.
For example, the spray coating gun 12 may include an air atomizer, rotary atomizer, electrostatic atomizer, or any other suitable spray forming mechanism.

FIG. 2 is a flow diagram of an exemplary spray coating process 50 for applying the desired spray coating liquid to the target object 14.
As shown, process 50 proceeds by identifying the target object 14 for applying the desired liquid (step 52).
Process 50 then proceeds by selecting the desired liquid for application to the spray surface of target object 14 (step 54).
The user then proceeds to configure the spray coating gun 12 for the identified target object 14 and the selected liquid 40 (step 56).
As the user activates the spray coating gun 12, the process 50 then proceeds to create an atomized spray of the selected liquid 40 (step 58).
The user may then apply a spray spray application over the desired surface of the target object 14 (step 60).
Process 50 then proceeds to the curing / drying phase of the paint applied on the desired surface (step 62).
If the user desires additional painting of the selected liquid at query step 64, the process proceeds within steps 58, 60 and 62 and paints the selected liquid 40 one more time.
If the user does not want additional painting of the liquid selected in interrogation step 64, process 50 proceeds to interrogation step 66 to determine whether the user desires painting of a new liquid.
If the user desires a new liquid to be applied at query step 66, process 50 proceeds through steps 54, 56, 58, 60, 62 and 64 using the newly selected liquid for spray coating. To do.
If the user does not wish to apply a new liquid at query step 66, process 50 ends at step 68.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional side view illustrating one embodiment of the spray coating gun 12 coupled to the liquid supply 16.
As shown, the spray coating gun 12 includes a spray tip assembly 80 coupled to a body 82.
The spray tip assembly 80 includes a liquid delivery tip assembly 84 that may be removably inserted into a receptacle 86 of the body 82.
For example, a plurality of different types of spray coating devices may be configured to receive and use the liquid delivery tip assembly 84.
The spray tip assembly 80 also includes a spray forming assembly 88 coupled to the liquid delivery tip assembly 84.
The spray forming assembly 88 may include a variety of spray forming mechanisms, such as pneumatic, rotary and electrostatic spray mechanisms.
However, the illustrated spray forming assembly 88 includes an air spray cap 90 that is securely fixed in a removable manner to the body 82 via a retaining nut 92.
The air spray cap 90 includes various spray orifices such as a central spray orifice 94 disposed about a liquid tip outlet 96 attributed to the liquid delivery tip assembly 84.
The air spray cap 90 may also have one or more spray shaping air orifices, such as spray shaping orifices 98, which use an air jet to force the spray into the desired spray pattern ( For example, a flat spray) is formed.
The pre-forming assembly 88 may also include a variety of other spray mechanisms to provide the desired spray pattern and droplet distribution.

The body 82 of the spray coating gun 12 includes various control and delivery mechanisms for the spray tip assembly 80.
As shown, the body 82 includes a liquid delivery assembly 100 having a liquid passageway 102 that extends from the liquid inlet coupling 104 to the liquid delivery tip assembly 84.
The liquid delivery assembly 100 also includes a liquid valve assembly 106 for controlling liquid flow through the liquid passageway 102 to the liquid delivery tip assembly 84.
The illustrated liquid valve assembly 106 has a needle valve 108 that extends movably through the body 84 between the liquid delivery tip assembly 84 and the liquid valve regulator 110.
The liquid valve adjustment device 110 can be adjusted in a rotatable manner relative to a spring 112 disposed between the rear portion 114 of the needle valve 108 and the internal portion 116 of the liquid valve adjustment device 110.
Needle valve 108 is similarly shaped such that needle valve 108 can move inward away from liquid delivery tip assembly 84 as trigger 118 is rotated counterclockwise about pivot joint 120. And coupled to the trigger 118.
However, any suitable valve assembly that can be opened inward or outward may be used within the scope of current technology.
The liquid valve assembly 106 may also include various packing and seal assemblies, such as a packing assembly 122 disposed between the needle valve 108 and the body 82.

Also disposed within the body 82 is an air supply assembly 124 to facilitate spraying in the spray forming assembly 88.
The illustrated air supply assembly 124 extends from the air inlet coupling 126 through the air passages 128 and 130 to the air spray cap 90.
The air supply assembly 124 also includes various seal assemblies, air valve assemblies and air valve regulators for maintaining and adjusting the pressure and flow of air through the spray coating gun 12.
For example, the illustrated air supply assembly 124 includes an air valve assembly 132 coupled to the trigger 118, so that rotation of the trigger 118 about the pivot joint 120 opens the air valve assembly 132 and air passage 128. Air flow from the air passage 130 to the air passage 130.
The air supply assembly 124 also includes an air valve regulator 134 to regulate the flow of air to the air spray cap 90.
As shown, the trigger 118 is coupled to both the liquid valve assembly 106 and the air valve assembly 132 so that when the trigger 118 is pulled toward the grip 136 of the body 82, liquid and air are sprayed simultaneously. It flows to the tip assembly 80.
Once activated, the spray coating gun 12 produces a spray with a desired spray pattern and droplet distribution.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the air supply 18 is coupled to the air inlet coupling 126 via an air conduit 138.
Embodiments of the air supply 18 may include an air compressor, a compressed air tank, a compressed inert gas tank, or a combination thereof.
In the illustrated embodiment, the liquid supply 16 is directly attached to the spray coating gun 12.
The illustrated liquid supply 16 includes a container assembly 140 that includes a container 142 and a cover assembly 144.
In some embodiments, the container 142 may be a flexible cup made of a suitable material such as polypropylene.
Further, the container 142 may be disposable so that the user can discard the container 142 after use.

Cover assembly 144 includes a liquid conduit 146 and a vent system 148.
The ventilation system 148 includes a buffer chamber 150 disposed between the outer cover 152 and the inner cover 154.
The liquid conduit 146 is coupled to the inner and outer covers 152 and 154 and extends through the buffer chamber 150 without any liquid openings communicating with the buffer chamber 150.
Vent system 148 similarly includes a first vent conduit 156 coupled to outer cover 152 and terminating within buffer chamber 150, and a second vent coupled to inner cover 154 and terminated outside buffer chamber 150 within container 142. A conduit 158.
In other words, the first and second vent conduits 156 and 158 have openings that communicate with each other via the buffer chamber 150. As discussed below, one or both of the vent conduits 156 and 158 include at least one check valve 168 to prevent fluid leakage and allow venting.

In some embodiments, all or some of the components of the container assembly 140 are disposable and / or reusable materials, such as transparent or translucent plastic, fibrous or cellulosic materials, non-metallic materials or these May be made of several combinations of
For example, the container assembly 140 may be made entirely or substantially (eg, greater than 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 99 percent) disposable and / or recyclable materials. Embodiments of the plastic container assembly 140 include a material composition that consists essentially or completely of a polymer, such as polyethylene.
Embodiments of the fiber container assembly 140 include material compositions consisting essentially or entirely of natural fibers (eg, plant fibers, wood fibers, animal fibers or mineral fibers) or synthetic / artificial fibers (eg, cellulose, minerals or polymers). Is included.
Examples of cellulosic fibers include modal or bamboo. Examples of polymer fibers include nylon, polyester, polyvinyl chloride, polyolefin, aramid, polyurethane, elastomer and polyurethane.
In some embodiments, the cover assembly 144 may be designed for a single use application, while the container 142 stores liquid (eg, a liquid paint mixture) between uses with different cover assemblies 144. May be used to
In other embodiments, both the container 142 and the cover assembly 144 may be disposable and designed to be used only once or used multiple times and then discarded.

As further illustrated in FIG. 3, the container assembly 140 is coupled to the top of the spray coating gun 12 in a gravity replenishment configuration.
During set-up, the container assembly 140 is filled with a coating liquid (eg, paint) with the cover side separated from the spray coating gun 12 up, and then the cover side is mounted for connection to the spray coating gun 12. The container assembly 140 may be reversed to the lowered position.
When the container 142 is reversed, a portion of the coating liquid leaks or flows into the buffer chamber 150 through the vent conduit 158 so that the first liquid volume 160 and the buffer chamber 150 are contained in the container 142. A second liquid volume 162 is provided.
However, at least a portion of the liquid remains in the vent conduit 158 due to the vacuum pressure in the container 142, the surface tension inside the vent conduit 158, and the surface tension of the distal end opening of the vent conduit 158.
The buffer chamber 150 is configured to hold the liquid volume 162 leaking from the container 142 even when the container 142 is rotated between a position where the cover side faces upward and a position where the cover side faces downward.
During use of the spray coating gun 12, the coating liquid flows from the container 142 along the fluid flow path 164 to the spray coating gun 12.
At the same time, air enters the container 142 first through the check valve 168 via the air flow path 166 and then continues through the ventilation system 148.
That is, air flows into the first vent conduit through check valve 168, through buffer chamber 150, through second vent conduit 158, and into container 142.
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the check valve 168 is disposed at the distal end of the first vent conduit 156, but the vent system 148, eg, within the distal end of the second vent conduit 158, Either inside one or both vent conduits 156 and 158, anywhere inside the buffer chamber 150, or anywhere else inside the vent system 148 that is suitable to prevent fluid leakage, It may be arranged as a replacement or in addition.
As described in further detail below, the orientation of check valve 168, buffer chamber 150 and vent conduits 156 and 158 allows the leaked coating liquid (eg, second liquid volume 162) to escape from openings in vent conduits 156 and 158. Maintaining an air flow path 166 (eg, a ventilation path) in all orientations of the container assembly 140 and spray coating gun 12 while being held away.
For example, the vent system maintains the air flow path 160 and allows the liquid volume 162 to enter the buffer chamber 150 even when the container assembly 140 is rotated approximately 0-360 degrees in a horizontal plane, vertical plane, or any other plane. Configured to hold.

FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the unique gravity refill container assembly 140 of FIG. 3 showing the spray gun adapter assembly 170 coupled to the cover assembly 144.
In the illustrated embodiment, the spray gun adapter assembly 170 includes a spray gun adapter 180 coupled to the cover assembly 144 via a tapered mating surface 181, a vent alignment guide 182 and an engagement locking mechanism 183.
For example, the tapered mating surface 181 is defined by the tapered outer surface 172 (eg, conical exterior) of the liquid conduit 146 and the tapered inner surface 174 (eg, conical interior) of the adapter 180. It may be.
According to a further example, the vent alignment guide 182 may be defined by a first alignment mechanism 176 disposed on the adapter 180 and a second alignment mechanism 178 disposed on the outer cover 152.
According to a further example, the engagement locking mechanism 183 includes a male locking mechanism (eg, a radial protrusion) disposed on the tapered outer surface 172 of the liquid conduit 146 and the tapered inner surface of the adapter 180. And a female locking mechanism (e.g., a radial recess) disposed on 174.

In the illustrated embodiment, the liquid conduit 146 may include a distal end portion 186 and a liquid passage 184 with one or more lips 188 extending radially outward from the liquid conduit 146.
In other words, the lip 188 protrudes radially outward from the tapered outer surface 172.
The adapter 180 includes an inner passage 190 configured to receive the liquid conduit 146, as shown in FIG. As shown, the passage 190 has a tapered inner surface 174 that forms a wedge and / or friction fit with the tapered outer surface 172 of the liquid conduit 146.
The adapter 180 also includes a groove 192 (eg, an annular groove or radial recess) disposed along the inner passage 190 over a distance 194.
In some embodiments, the lip 188 may be disposed in the groove 192 to prevent axial movement of the liquid conduit 146 in relation to the adapter 180.

The vent alignment guide 182 is configured to align the first vent conduit 156, the second vent conduit 158, or a combination thereof in relation to the spray coating gun 12.
To this end, in some embodiments, the vent alignment guide 182 includes a first alignment guide 176 and a second alignment guide 178 that are configured to align with each other between the adapter 180 and the outer cover 152. May be.
In the illustrated embodiment, the first alignment guide 176 includes a ring 196 with an alignment tab 198 and inner retaining fingers 197.
For example, the internal retention fingers 197 bend slightly when the ring 196 is inserted into the adapter 180 to provide a radially inward retention force (eg, spring force) on the adapter 180, thereby causing the adapter 180. A ring 196 may be compression fitted around the.
As further illustrated, the second alignment guide 178 includes an alignment recess 200 disposed within the outer cover 152.
In some embodiments, the alignment tab 198 is configured to fit within the alignment recess 200 when the adapter 180 is coupled to the liquid conduit 146, as shown in FIG. Good.
That is, in the presently contemplated embodiment, the vent alignment guide 182 may be a ring 196 having an alignment tab 198, an alignment recess 200, or a combination thereof.
Such an embodiment of the vent alignment guide 182 may provide distinct advantages.
For example, the vent alignment guide 182 may force the second vent conduit 158 to the highest position in the container 142 when attached to the spray coating gun 12 (see FIG. 3).
This feature may have the effect of minimizing the fluid volume 162 that is placed in the buffer volume 150 during use.

In use, the adapter 180 couples the liquid conduit 146 to the spray paint gun 12 and the vent alignment guide 182 aligns the gravity refill container 142 with the gravity refill spray paint gun 12.
That is, the vent alignment guide 182 orients the second vent conduit 158 in the container 142 to an upper position within the container 142 while being coupled to the spray coating gun 12 (see FIG. 3).
The above features may have the effect of maintaining the availability of the ventilation system 148 to ensure that the air flow path 166 can be properly established during use of the spray gun.
Further, in operation, the groove 192 in the adapter 180 is configured to contact the lip 188 of the liquid conduit 146 during the time when the container 142 begins to become disengaged from the spray coating gun 12. Good.
That is, if the liquid conduit 146 begins to move away from the spray coating gun 12 in use 202, the liquid conduit 146 is prevented from detaching from the adapter 180 when the lip 188 reaches the end of the groove 192. can do.
Such features may have the effect of protecting the connection between the gravity replenishing container 142 and the gravity fed spray coating gun 12 during operation.

FIG. 5 is a partially exploded perspective view of one embodiment of the unique gravity refillable container assembly 140 of FIG. 3 showing the spray gun adapter assembly 170 disassembled from the cover assembly 144. In the illustrated embodiment, the adapter assembly 170 includes an adapter 180 (eg, a first part) and a first alignment guide 176 (eg, a second part).
Adapter 180 includes first threaded portion 214 (eg, male threaded annular portion), groove 192, hexagonal protrusion 216 (eg, tool head), securing portion 218 (eg, male threaded annular portion) and adapter 180. A central passage 220 extending longitudinally therethrough is included.
The first threaded portion 214 is configured to couple to a mating thread in the spray coating gun 12 when the container 142 is positioned for use.
Further, the fixed portion 218 is configured to engage with the first alignment guide 176.
The first alignment guide 176 includes an alignment ring 196 with an alignment tab 198 and inner retaining fingers 197. The inner holding finger 197 is configured to be compression-fitted around the fixed portion 218 so as to keep the first alignment guide 176 at a predetermined position on the adapter 180.

In use, adapter assembly 170 is coupled to both spray coating 12 and container assembly 140.
As described above, the alignment tab 198 is formed so that the liquid conduit 146, the first vent conduit 156, the second vent conduit 158, or combinations thereof are aligned in relation to the spray coating gun 12. 200 may be positioned.
In other words, the alignment tab 198 may be configured to fit within the alignment recess 200 while the spray gun adapter 180 is coupled to the liquid conduit 146.
As shown, the alignment recess 200 is positioned intermediate the liquid conduit 146 and the second vent conduit 158, where the liquid conduit 146 is positioned intermediate the first and second vent conduits 156 and 158. Has been.
For example, in certain embodiments, the liquid conduit 146, the first and second vent conduits 156 and 158, and the vent alignment guide 182 (eg, the first and second alignment guides) are aligned with each other, eg, a common plane. May be disposed within.

Although FIGS. 6 and 7 show the opposite orientation of the container assembly 140 for the purpose of depicting the operation of the vent system 148, embodiments of the vent system 148 may be any possible orientation of the container assembly 140. It is possible to operate with.
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional side view of another embodiment of the liquid supply 16 of FIG. 1 showing a unique gravity refillable container assembly 140 with the container 142 and cover assembly 144 oriented in a cover side up position. It is.
Specifically, the cover assembly 144 is disposed on the container 142 after the container 142 is filled with the liquid volume 160.
Cover assembly 144 includes a venting system 148 and a liquid conduit 146 coupled to and extending into inner and outer covers 152 and 154.
The ventilation system 148 includes a buffer chamber 150 disposed between the outer cover 152 and the inner cover 154.
Vent system 148 also includes a tapered outer vent conduit 232 coupled to outer cover 152 and a tapered inner vent conduit 234 coupled to inner cover 154.
Vent system 148 is similarly placed on the distal ends of both vent conduits 232 and 234 (including some, if not all, possible alternative locations within vent system 148). A stop valve 168 is also included.
In particular, the vent system 148 may include one or more check valves 168 disposed at either end and / or intermediate position along each vent conduit 232 and 234.
Again, check valve 168 allows gravity to flow into the assembly for venting (eg, to facilitate liquid flow during the gravity delivery of spray paint gun 12), while replenishing gravity. The liquid container assembly 140 is configured to prevent leakage of liquid (eg, paint) into the surrounding environment.
The ventilation system 148 further includes a protruding portion 236 (eg, a liquid blocking screen) disposed on the inner cover 154, where the protruding portion 236 faces in close proximity to the tapered outer ventilation conduit 232. .
When the container 142 is oriented as shown in FIG. 6, an air path 238 is established through the ventilation system 148.
Similarly, a liquid path 240 into the container 142 is established with the illustrated orientation of the liquid supply 16.

In the illustrated embodiment, a tapered outer vent conduit 232 extends between the outer cover 152 and the inner cover 154 into the buffer chamber 150 to the distal end 242.
The distal end 242 of the outer vent conduit 232 may be in close proximity to the protruding portion 236 (eg, a liquid blocking screen) of the inner cover 154.
In other words, the distal end 242 of the outer vent conduit 232 is disposed at a first distance 244 (ie, the length of the conduit 232) from the outer cover 152 along the first axis 246 of the outer vent conduit 232. .
Further, the inner cover 154 is disposed at a fixed offset distance 248 (ie, total cover separation distance) from the outer cover 152 along the first axis 246 of the outer vent conduit 232.
In other words, the offset distance 248 is the total distance between the inner and outer covers 152 and 154, while the first distance is the total length of the outer vent conduit 232 that projects from the outer cover 152 toward the inner cover 154. Represents.
In some embodiments, the first distance 244 (ie, the length of the conduit 232) is at least approximately 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70% of the offset distance 248 (ie, the total cover separation distance), It may be greater than 75%, 80%, 85%, 90% or 95%.
For example, in one embodiment, the first distance 244 is at least approximately 50% greater than the offset distance 248.
As a further example, in some embodiments, the first distance 244 may be at least 75% greater than the offset distance 248.
Further, in other embodiments, the first distance 244 may be at least approximately 95% greater than the offset distance 248.
The distal end 242 of the outer vent conduit 232 in close proximity to the inner cover 154 may increase the liquid holding capacity of the buffer chamber 150 while still allowing venting through the vent system 148.
Moreover, the close proximity of the distal end 242 of the outer vent conduit 232 to the protruding portion (eg, a liquid blocking screen) can result from the buffer chamber 150 during movement (eg, vibration) of the gravity refill container assembly 140, for example. It may resist liquid ingress into the outer vent conduit 232.
For example, the distal end 242 being in close proximity to the protruding portion provides additional surface tension that substantially retains the liquid.

As shown in FIG. 6, in some embodiments, the outer vent conduit 232, the inner vent conduit 234, the liquid conduit 146, or combinations thereof may be tapered.
For example, the outer vent conduit 232 may taper such that the diameter of the conduit 232 decreases from the outer cover 152 toward the distal end 242.
By way of further example, in some embodiments, the liquid conduit 146 is shaped such that the diameter of the conduit 146 decreases from the inner cover 154 toward the distal end portion 186 with the illustrated lip 188. And it can be tapered.
In such embodiments, the tapered liquid conduit 146 is within the tapered inner passage of the gravity fed spray coating gun 12 (eg, the tapered inner surface 174 of the passage 190 through the adapter 180). The lip 188 may be configured to fit a wedge fit (eg, a tight fit or a friction fit) within the tapered inner channel (eg, the channel 192 in the channel 190). It may be configured to fit.
According to further embodiments, the inner vent conduit 234 may taper such that the diameter of the conduit 234 decreases from the inner cover 154 toward the distal end 249 at an offset distance 250.
In some embodiments, the tapering of the outer vent conduit 232, the inner vent conduit 234, the liquid conduit 146, or combinations thereof may include a taper angle (dps) per side that is greater than 0 degrees and less than approximately 10 degrees. .
According to further examples, the taper angle may be at least about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 degrees or more per side.
In the tapered embodiment of the vent conduits 232 and 234, the smaller end portion of the conduit is configured to prevent or reduce liquid inflow and more effectively maintain the vent path.
In other words, the reduced diameter at the distal ends 242 and 249 of the vent conduits 232 and 234 decreases the flow area and increases the surface tension, thus reducing the amount of liquid that can enter the vent conduits 232 and 234.

When the gravity refill container assembly 140 is positioned in the cover side up position shown in FIG. 6, the liquid volume 160 remains entirely within the container 142.
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional side view of one embodiment of the liquid supply 16 of FIG. 1 showing a unique gravity refillable container assembly 140 with the container 142 and cover assembly 144 oriented in a cover side down position. It is.
As shown in FIG. 7, if the check valve 168 is not located at the distal end 249 or if it cannot prevent all liquid from entering the inner vent conduit 234, The container 142 is filled with any liquid volume 252 that may escape, subtracted from the liquid volume 160.
Thus, the buffer chamber 150 has a liquid volume 252 from the inner vent conduit 234 (eg, if some liquid can pass through the conduit 234 due to the absence of the check valve 168 or leakage through the check valve 168). May be partially filled.
That is, as the container 142 is rotated from a position with the cover side up to a position with the cover side down, some liquid volume 252 at least partially exits the inner vent conduit 234 and enters the buffer chamber 150. It is likely that it will enter and it will remain there during operation.
In some embodiments, at least a portion of the liquid volume 252 is in line with the vacuum pressure inside the container 142, the surface tension inside the inner vent conduit 234, the surface tension at the distal end 249 of the conduit 234 and / or along the conduit 234. Due to the intermediate position of the check valve 168, it remains in the inner vent conduit 234.
In some embodiments, the liquid volume 252 fills only a portion of the total volume of the buffer chamber 150. For example, the volume of the inner vent conduit 234 may be a portion of the volume of the buffer chamber 150, which in turn leads to a portion of the liquid filling the buffer chamber 150.
In some embodiments, the volume of the inner vent conduit 234 may be less than approximately 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 40, 50, 60, or 70 percent of the volume of the buffer chamber 150.
In other words, the volume of the buffer chamber 150 may be at least approximately 2, 3, 4, or 5 times the volume of the inner vent conduit 234.
As a result, a substantial portion of the buffer chamber 150 remains empty between the outer vent conduit 232 and the inner vent conduit 234, thus maintaining an open vent path through the cover assembly 144 between the atmosphere and the container 142. Is done.
However, the check valve 168 (if present) in the conduit 234 can prevent any leakage of liquid from the container 142 into the buffer chamber 150.
In an empty or partially filled buffer chamber 150, the vent system 148 in any case has a free air passage through the buffer chamber 150 between the vent conduits 232 and 234.

In other words, the vent system 148 may operate to vent air into the container 142 even though the liquid volume 252 is placed in the buffer chamber 150.
Specifically, the air path 166 (ie, the vent path) first enters the first outer opening 260 of the vent conduit 232 outside the buffer chamber 150 and then passes through the check valve 168 of the vent conduit 232. May enter the buffer chamber 150.
Once inside the buffer chamber 150, the air path 166 continues into the second inner opening 264 of the vent conduit 234 inside the buffer chamber 150.
Air path 166 continues through vent conduit 234 and exits second check valve 168 that is external to buffer chamber 150 but inside container 142.
In this manner, the first inner opening 262 and the second inner opening 264 are in air communication with each other through the buffer chamber 150 even when the liquid volume 252 (if present) is placed in the buffer chamber 150. is there.
As shown, the level of the liquid volume 252 in the buffer chamber 150 remains below the second inner opening 264 of the inner vent conduit 234 and the check valve 168 of the outer vent conduit 232.
In some embodiments, the level of the liquid volume 252 may remain below the opening 264 at any location on the gravity refill container assembly 140, and thus the air path 166 will always remain open.
Nonetheless, the check valve 168 along the vent conduit 232 will prevent any liquid leakage if the liquid level 252 increases or movement causes the liquid to splash up against the opening at the distal end 242 of the conduit 232. It is configured to block.

Although FIGS. 6 and 7 show only two orientations of the gravity refill container assembly 140, the vent system 148 with the check valve 168 can be used with the outer vent conduit 232, the buffer chamber 150, and the inner in any orientation. An air path through the vent conduit 234 is configured to be maintained.
For example, gravity refillable container assembly 140 maintains approximately air path 166 and retains liquid volume 252 within container assembly 140 while approximately 0-360 degrees in the vertical plane and approximately 0 in the horizontal plane. It may be moved ~ 360 degrees and approximately 0-360 degrees in another plane.

The above-described features of the container assembly 140 allow the operator to vibrate the container 142 without liquid loss as desired for mixing the components of the fluid volumes 160 and 252 during use.
For example, one advantageous feature of the presently contemplated embodiments includes the presence of a check valve 168 to prevent liquid leakage while still allowing air to flow into the ventilation system 148. .
The check valve 168 remains in its closed position in its normal state and prevents any flow of fluid in either direction.
However, as the liquid volume 160 is swept through the fluid flow path 164, the air pressure within the air volume 262 decreases and creates a vacuum in the air volume 262.
As will be described in more detail below, due to the force exerted by the vacuum in the container 142, air flows through the vent system 148 by opening one or more check valves 168. When air is moving through the check valve 168, air flow prevents the fluid from moving in the reverse direction by opening the check valve 168.
However, once the vacuum inside the container 142 is sufficiently reduced, the check valve 168 automatically returns to its normal state, interrupting all fluid flow.
Accordingly, the check valve 168 only allows air to enter the container 142 through the air flow path 166 while preventing reverse liquid flow through the vent system 148.

Another advantageous feature of the presently contemplated embodiments includes the distal end 242 of the tapered outer vent conduit 232 being in close proximity to the protruding portion 236 (eg, a liquid blocking screen). .
That is, in some embodiments, the distance between the distal end 242 and the protruding portion 236 is small enough to substantially limit or prevent fluid flow into the outer vent conduit 232. Good.
For example, the surface tension may retain any liquid along the protruding portion 236 rather than allowing fluid flow into the outer vent conduit 232.
Thus, in some embodiments, the gap distance between the distal end 242 and the protruding portion 236 can be approximately 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 millimeters or less.
For example, in one embodiment, the gap distance between the distal end 242 and the protruding portion 236 may be less than about 3 millimeters.

Similarly, the tapered geometry of the outer vent conduit 232 at the distal end 242 (and the reduced diameter of the opening 262) may substantially prevent liquid flow into the outer vent conduit 232.
For example, in some embodiments, the diameter of the first inner opening 262 may be approximately 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 millimeters or less.
As a further example, in one embodiment, the diameter of the first inner opening 262 may be less than approximately 3 millimeters.
Thus, if the user vibrates or otherwise moves the container assembly 140 to splash liquid or cause it to flow near position 242, the small gap in relation to the protruding portion 236 and the small size of the conduit 232 The diameter will substantially limit any liquid flow out through the outer vent conduit 232.
In this way, the container assembly 140 could substantially prevent liquid leaking out of the buffer zone 150 through the outer vent conduit 232.
Again, the features described above will have the effect of storing the liquid volume 252 inside the buffer chamber 150 during use, even when vibrations are made.

The tapered geometry of the inner vent conduit 234 at the distal end 249 also substantially prevents liquid flow into the inner vent conduit 234 even without the check valve 168 on the distal end 249. Will.
For example, in some embodiments, the diameter at the opening of the distal end 249 may be approximately 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 millimeters or less.
As a further example, in one embodiment, the diameter of the opening at the distal end 249 may be less than approximately 3 millimeters.
For example, if the user vibrates or otherwise moves the container assembly 140 to splash liquid or cause it to flow in the vicinity of the position 249, the small diameter of the conduit 234 causes any liquid flow to flow inwardly. Access to buffer chamber 150 through conduit 234 will be substantially limited.
In this way, the container assembly 140 will substantially prevent liquid leakage through the inner vent conduit 234 and into the buffer zone 150.
The features described above will have the effect of storing the liquid volume 252 inside the container 142, except for the liquid volume 252 leaking into the buffer zone 150 during rotation (eg, reversal).

FIG. 8 illustrates one embodiment of the cover assembly 144 of FIGS. 6 and 7 showing the buffer chamber 150 having a tapered outer vent conduit 232 adjacent to the protruding portion 236 (eg, a liquid blocking screen) of the inner cover 154. It is a cross-sectional side view.
As shown, the protruding portion 236 is disposed in close proximity to the distal end 242 (eg, opening 262) of the tapered outer vent conduit 232.
Again, the distal end 242 (eg, opening 262) of the vent conduit 232 is in close proximity to the protruding portion 236 to prevent liquid from leaking out through the vent conduit 232 during operation. At the same time, the possibility that the vent conduit 232 blocks liquid may be reduced.
Further, FIG. 8 also shows the relative positioning of the liquid conduit 146 and the inner vent conduit 234 and the outer vent conduit 232.
Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the outer vent conduit 232 and the inner vent conduit 234 are disposed on opposite sides of the liquid conduit 146.
In some embodiments, the outer vent conduit 232, the inner vent conduit 234, and the liquid conduit 146 may be disposed in a common plane and / or have parallel axes.

FIG. 9 shows a variation of the liquid supply of FIG. 1 showing a unique gravity refillable container assembly 140 with a cover assembly 144 and container 142 but no buffer chamber and only a single vent conduit 266. It is a section side view of an embodiment.
The container 142 is filled with a liquid volume 160 that exits the container through the fluid flow path 164.
As shown in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9, a check valve 168 may be located at the distal end 249 of a single vent conduit 266.
However, the check valve 168 is not limited to the distal end 249 of a single vent conduit 266 and may be installed anywhere within the vent system 148.
As will be described in more detail below, inclusion of a check valve 168 allows air flow along the air flow path 166 while preventing reverse liquid flow through the single vent conduit 266. become.
Moreover, the inclusion of the check valve 168 in the ventilation system 148 includes the air flow path 166 when the container assembly 140 is rotated approximately 0-360 degrees in a horizontal plane, vertical plane, or any other plane. And is configured to prevent liquid leakage.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional side view of one embodiment of the check valve 168 of FIGS. 3, 6, 7 and 9 showing the duckbill valve 270.
For purposes of illustration, the axial direction 286 and radial direction 288 in relation to the longitudinal axis 289 of the valves 168, 270 can be referenced.
Further, the check valves 168, 270 have a mounting portion 290 and a valve portion 292.
The mounting portion 290 is configured to be mounted anywhere within the ventilation system 148 of FIGS.
For example, if the check valve 168 is mounted on a vent conduit (eg, vent conduits 232 and 234 in FIGS. 3-8 and / or vent conduit 266 in FIG. 9), the mounting portion 290 may be mounted outside the conduit; It may be constructed as a continuous piece integral with the conduit and attached to the inside of the conduit or configured to be attached in any other suitable form.
As illustrated in FIG. 10, the valve portion 292 includes an upper resilient flap 294 and a lower resilient flap 296, which are shown in the closed position, as represented by the solid line. .
The open position of the valve portion 292 is represented by a dashed line, as shown by open flaps 294 and 296 (eg, 298 and 300). In addition, the valve portion 292 has a reverse pressure 302 and a forward pressure 304 that exert a force on both the upper resilient flap 294 and the lower resilient flap 296.
In some embodiments, it is contemplated that these pressures can include a variety of force and fluid pressure forms including, among others, atmospheric pressure, compressed air, vacuum, gravity and liquid flow.

As further shown in FIG. 10, the upper elastic flap 294 and the lower elastic flap are configured in such a way as to prevent flow when in a rest state.
However, once the forward pressure 304 has exceeded the reverse pressure 302 enough to exceed the elasticity in the flaps 294 and 296, the upper and lower elastic flaps 294 and 296 are in the airflow path 166. The air flowing along in axial direction 286 is forced in opposite radial directions 288 away from each other (eg, up to open positions 298 and 300).
When upper and lower resilient flaps 294 and 296 are forced to open flap positions 298 and 300, valve portion 292 can allow air to flow axially 286 along air flow path 166.
However, once the pressure difference between forward pressure 304 and forward pressure 302 is insufficient to hold upper and lower resilient flaps 294 and 296 in open flap positions 298 and 300, The flap returns to the inward radial direction 288 and returns to its original closed position.
The flaps 294 and 296 that have returned to their original closed position again block flow through the valve portion 292.
Thus, the valve portion 292 allows flow only when the forward pressure 304 exceeds the pressure 302, so that flow through the valve portion 292 occurs only in one direction along the air flow path 166.
This one-way flow configuration prevents reverse flow through the valve portion 292 and allows ventilation through the air flow path 166, but escapes liquid (eg, leakage) back through the ventilation system 148 of FIGS. ) Will stop.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional side view of one embodiment of the check valve 168 of FIGS. 3, 6, 7 and 9 illustrating the umbrella valve 320. For discussion purposes, the axial direction 324 and radial direction 326 in relation to the longitudinal axis 327 of the valves 168, 320 may be referenced.
Further, the check valves 168, 320 have a mounting portion 328 and a valve portion 330.
The mounting portion 328 is configured to be mounted anywhere within the ventilation system 148 of FIGS.
For example, if the check valves 168, 320 are mounted on venting conduits (eg, the venting conduits 232 and 234 in FIGS. 3-8 and / or the conduit 266 in FIG. 9), is the mounting portion 328 attached outside the conduit? May be manufactured as a continuous piece integral with the conduit and attached to the inside of the conduit or configured to be attached in any other suitable form.
Returning to FIG. 11, the valve portion 330 has a valve cap 332 with a resilient flap 334 extending radially outward 326 from the central body 331.
For example, the flap 334 may be an umbrella-shaped flap that extends symmetrically about the axis 327 of the valves 168, 320.
Further, the body 336 can be a hollow cylindrical structure that includes an annular wall 335 extending about a central cavity 337.
As shown, the flap 334 selectively covers the vent.
Further, the valve cap 332 is configured to allow the elastic flap 334 to move from the normally closed position (solid line) in the axial direction 324 to the open position 340 (broken line).
In addition, the current embodiment of check valves 168, 320 may experience reverse pressure 344 and forward pressure 346 that exert pressure on resilient flap 334.
In some embodiments, it is contemplated that these pressures can include a variety of force and fluid pressure forms including, among others, atmospheric pressure, compressed air, vacuum, gravity and liquid flow.

As further shown in FIG. 11, the resilient flap 334 is configured in such a way as to prevent flow through the vent 338 when it is at rest.
If the forward pressure 346 exceeds the reverse pressure 344 sufficient to exceed the elasticity in the flap 334, the elastic flap 334 is released by air flowing in the axial direction 324 along the air flow path 166. Forced in the axial direction 324 up to the flap position 340.
When the resilient flap 334 is forced to the open flap position 340 (dashed line), the valve portion 330 allows air to flow axially 324 along the air flow path 166.
However, once the pressure differential between the forward pressure 346 and the reverse pressure 344 is insufficient to hold the elastic flap 334 in the open flap position 340, the flap 334 is in the reverse axial direction. Return to 324 to the original closed position (solid line).
The flap 334 that has returned to its original closed position again prevents flow through the valve portion 330.
Accordingly, the valve portion 330 allows flow only when the forward pressure 346 exceeds the pressure 344 so that flow through the valve portion 330 occurs only in one direction along the air flow path 166.
This one-way flow configuration prevents reverse flow through the valve portion 330 and allows venting through the air flow path 166, but escapes liquid (eg, leakage) back through the vent system 148 of FIGS. ) Will stop.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional side view of one embodiment of the check valve 168 of FIGS. 3, 6, 7 and 9 showing the ball valve 360.
For purposes of illustration, the axial direction 366 and radial direction 368 in relation to the longitudinal axis 369 of the valves 168, 360 may be referenced.
Further, the check valves 168, 360 have a mounting portion 370 and a valve portion 372.
The attachment portion 370 is configured to be attached anywhere within the ventilation system 148 of FIGS.
For example, when the check valve 168 is mounted on a vent conduit (eg, the vent conduits 232 and 234 in FIGS. 3-8 and / or the single vent conduit 266 in FIG. 9), the mounting portion 370 is mounted on the outside of the conduit. Or manufactured as a continuous piece integral with the conduit and attached to the inside of the conduit, or configured to be attached in any other suitable form. Returning to FIG. 12, the valve portion 372 includes a ball 374, a spring 376 and a housing cage 378.
The housing cage 378 has a vent 379 to allow flow through the system.
The illustrated embodiment of check valves 168, 360 similarly has an inlet 380 and an outlet 382.
Further, the current embodiment of check valves 168, 360 may experience reverse pressure 384 and forward pressure 386 that exert pressure on ball 374.
In some embodiments, it is contemplated that these pressures can include a variety of force and fluid pressure forms including, among others, atmospheric pressure, compressed air, vacuum, gravity and liquid flow.

As further illustrated in FIG. 12, the ball 374, spring 376 and housing cage 378 are arranged in such a way as to prevent flow through the inlet 380 when in a resting state.
In other words, the spring 376 biases the ball 374 against the vent 380 and prevents flow through the vent 380 under normal conditions.
If the forward pressure 386 exceeds the pressure exerted by the spring 376, the ball 374 moves further axially 366 into the housing cage 378 by compressing the spring 376.
In this state, the inlet 380 is no longer closed and fluid may enter along the airflow path 166 through the inlet 380 and then exit through the outlet 382.
However, once the force exerted by the forward pressure 386 drops below the force exerted by the spring 376 plus the pressure 384, the ball 374 returns to its original position in the reverse axis direction and inhales. The mouth 380 is closed.
In other words, the valve portion 372 allows flow only when the forward pressure 386 exceeds the force exerted by the spring 376 and any reverse pressure 384 so that the flow through the valve portion 372 is air It occurs only in one direction along the flow path 166.
This one-way flow configuration prevents reverse flow through the valve portion 372 and allows venting through the air flow path 166, but escapes liquid (eg, leaks) back through the vent system 148 of FIGS. ) Will stop.

While only certain features of the invention have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications and changes will become apparent to those skilled in the art.
Therefore, it is to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all modifications and changes that fall within the true spirit of the invention.

Claims (20)

A system,
Including a container cover,
The container cover
A liquid conduit configured to extend into the liquid container;
At least one wall surrounding the buffer chamber and configured to separate the internal volume of the liquid container from the external environment;
A first vent conduit coupled to the at least one wall and configured to fluidly couple the buffer chamber and the external environment;
A second vent conduit coupled to the at least one wall and configured to fluidly couple the buffer chamber and the interior volume;
At least one check valve entirely in the first or second vent conduit or combination thereof;
Including,
A system characterized by that.   The system of claim 1, wherein the liquid conduit includes a spray device mount configured to couple with a liquid inlet of a spray gun.   The system of claim 2, including a spray device configured to couple to the container cover via a spray gun mount.   The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one check valve is entirely within the first vent conduit.   The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one check valve is entirely within the second vent conduit. At least one check valve system of claim 1, which is coupled to the distal end of the first or second vent conduit, it is characterized.   The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one check valve includes a duckbill valve.   The system of claim 1, comprising a liquid container. The first and second vent conduits each include a distal opening provided at a distal end of the first or second vent conduit having a surface tension that resists liquid flow, the first and second The system of claim 1, wherein each of the vent conduits includes an internal surface tension that resists liquid flow.   The first and second vent conduits are separated from each other by an offset distance, the offset distance including an axial offset and a lateral offset in relation to the first and second vent conduit axes. The system according to claim 1. The distal opening provided at the distal end of the first vent conduit is located proximal to the inner surface of at least one wall surrounding the buffer chamber. System. At least one wall includes an inner wall and an outer wall surrounding the buffer chamber;
A liquid conduit is coupled to the outer and inner walls;
A first vent conduit is coupled to the outer wall, and the first vent conduit projects inwardly from the outer wall into the buffer chamber to a first distal position between the outer wall and the inner wall;
A second vent conduit is coupled to the inner wall and projects to a second distal position offset from the inner wall such that the second vent conduit is away from the buffer chamber and the inner wall;
The system according to claim 1. A system,
Including a container cover,
The container cover
At least one wall configured to separate the internal volume of the liquid container from the external environment;
A liquid conduit coupled to at least one wall and configured to attach to a liquid inlet of the spray device;
At least one vent conduit coupled to at least one wall, the at least one vent conduit including at least one check valve entirely within the at least one vent conduit;
A system characterized by that.   14. The system of claim 13, comprising a spray device configured to couple to the container cover via a connection between a liquid conduit and a liquid inlet. At least one check valve is coupled to the distal end of the at least one vent conduit, the distal end, claim 13, wherein at least one of which is located at an offset distance away from the wall, it The system described in.   The system of claim 13, wherein the at least one check valve includes a duckbill valve.   14. The system of claim 13, comprising a liquid container.   At least one wall surrounds the buffer chamber configured to separate the internal volume of the liquid container from the external environment, and at least one vent conduit is fluidly coupled to the buffer chamber. The system according to claim 13. A system,
A spray device having a liquid inlet;
A gravity refillable container assembly; and
A gravity replenishment container assembly with a liquid container,
A container cover,
The container cover
At least one check valve configured to couple to the liquid container and along a vent path between the internal volume of the liquid container and the external environment, the check valve being completely within the vent path Including a valve, and
A system comprising a liquid conduit configured to couple to a liquid inlet of a spray device. The system of claim 19 including a vent conduit projecting from a wall of the container cover, wherein at least one check valve is coupled to the distal end of the vent conduit.

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